What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem. The condition puts you at risk of stroke. Another term for atrial fibrillation is "A-fib."

In people with A-fib, the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are abnormal. As a result, the top 2 chambers of the heart stop pumping effectively, and a small amount of the blood that should move out of these chambers gets left behind. As the blood pools, it can start to form clots. These clots can travel to the brain through the blood vessels, and cause strokes.

In some people, A-fib never goes away.

In others, A-fib can come and go, even with treatment. Some people can reduce their chances of having A-fib again by:

1. Controlling their blood pressure

2. Not drinking a lot of alcohol in one sitting (limit to 1 to 2 drinks in one day)

3. Cutting down on caffeine

4. Getting treatment for an overactive thyroid gland

5. Getting regular exercise

6. Losing weight (if they are overweight)

How is atrial fibrillation treated? - In some cases, A-fib goes away on its own, even without treatment. But some people do need treatment.

Treatment can include one or more of these:

1. Medicines to control the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat

2. Medicines to keep blood clots from forming

3. A treatment called "cardioversion" that involves applying a mild electrical current to the heart to fix its rhythm

4. Treatments called "ablation," which use heat ("radiofrequency ablation") or cold ("cryoablation") to destroy the small part of the heart that is sending abnormal electrical signals.

What will my life be like? - Many people with A-fib are able to live normal lives. Still, it is important that you take the medicines your doctor prescribes every day. Taking your medicines as directed can help reduce the chances that your A-fib will cause a stroke. It's also a good idea to learn what the signs and symptoms of a stroke are.